Research Associate 2 - Aurora, SD

About Us
Through leading innovations, we help farmers around the world meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and taking care of our planet. We are currently seeking a Research Associate 2 for our Aurora R&D Trialing team in Aurora, SD.  Our crop testing efforts concentrate in Corn, Soybean, and Winter Wheat plots.

Role Purpose
The purpose of the Research Associate 2 is to support local trialing efforts to create superior products and support the Trialing Manager’s targeted goals for precision, accuracy, and efficiency to obtain the highest quality data delivered in the designated timeframe.

Accountabilities

• Help coordinate seed preparation activities across all crops and processes, collect field notes across all crops, utilize various data collection tools, and assist in planting/harvesting activities.
• Assist in training, overseeing and leading tasks completed by third-party contract labor to achieve desired results.
• Performing all tasks and behaving in a manner compliant with and in support of all safety and stewardship related company policies and practices, including completing all required company training courses.
• Effectively communicating regularly with peers and supervisors regarding the status of projects and work activities.
   

Requirement

• Associates or a B.S. Degree in an agricultural related discipline, preferred. Candidates with relevant agriculture experience may be considered.
• A valid US driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s history and the requirement of obtaining a commercial medical card.
• Ability to obtain a Drone Pilot’s license.
• Clear understanding of the practices and procedures that affect trial data precision and accuracy.
• Understand and use of modern agronomic practices.
• Good verbal and Written communication skills
• Ability to learn, use and support proprietary IT systems.
• Must be able to work independently and may travel to off-site locations to accurately collect and manage data obtained from trials.
• Plant, collect field note data, maintain, and harvest crop trials to meet deadlines.
• Ability to complete objectives and tasks.
• Must be detail oriented, with an attention to accuracy.
• Ability and motivation to learn new technologies.

Preferred Requirements

• A basic understanding of plant genetics and breeding is desirable.
• Ability to use MS Office, especially Word, Excel, Power Point and other standard office software.
• Knowledge and/or experience around precision agricultural equipment is desirable.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  
Capable of working in high or low temperature conditions in field.  Capable of lifting up to 50 pounds.  Capable of working long hours during time-critical periods of the growing season.

WORKING CONDITIONS WHILE PERFORMING ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Field, laboratory, office.  Domestic and international travel required with occasional overnight stays. Stays at off-season production/nursery locations may extend to two to three weeks.  Potential allergens pollen, fungal spores, chemical pesticides in the field or greenhouse.

TRAVEL:
Seasonal travel to off-station testing locations, project meetings.
 

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution
• Open Vacation Policy with a minimum of 15 days of vacation and up to 30 days with manager approval, 9 Paid Holidays
• Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity, and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)

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About Syngenta
Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity’s most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture.